Once again this year, two Advent devotions will be offered online from Lutheran Hour Ministries at www.adventdevotions.net beginning later this month.

Come to the Manger continues our traditional approach to the Christmas devotions, but with a twist. Written by ministerial students from the 2008 graduating class of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, these meditations share insights as seen from a first-call pastor's perspective.

In devotions of varied topics, Come to the Manger considers the significance of the Christmas story from different angles. Whether it's God fulfilling promises to Abraham centuries ago or the prayers of a grandmother recovering from cancer a few years ago, the bold truth of "Emmanuel-God with us" is at the heart of each pastor's text.

With Christmas Conversations, Pastor Ryan Peterson of St. John Lutheran Church in Ellisville, Missouri, invites the reader to a give-and-take exchange apart from the holiday bustle. Slowly, deliberately - he unwraps the universal meaning of the holiday season like the amazing gift it is. Written for those who are unchurched or peripheral to the life of the church, it guides the reader along, inviting him or her to join in the conversation.

The Christmas story is a miracle story, and Peterson knows miracles for modern man are hard to believe. God - appearing in the person of Jesus Christ? A child - born of a virgin? Salvation - a free gift to all? These are not easily received by a 21st-century mind. Peterson walks alongside his reader in these messages, encouraging him and her, mindful that patience is crucial when having a Christmas conversation.

Both Come to the Manger and Christmas Conversations will be offered as customizable PDFs in English and Spanish. Audio will be available for Come to the Manger in both languages, as well as the option to subscribe to podcasts for automatic downloading to your computer or MP3 player. Promotional pieces available this year include bulletin shells, PowerPoint slide templates, Web banner ads, and cover art for creating your own promotional pieces. For more information or to download these resources, visit www.adventdevotions.net beginning Oct. 15.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a missionary, or to live and work in another country? Lutheran Hour Ministries' Ministry Tours give you a two-week glimpse into mission work in another country and also the beauty and culture of that country.

For $3,200 you can participate in LHM's Latin America tour to Panama and Nicaragua from Feb. 5-14, 2009. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on a tour coordinated by a professional agency and led by LHM Latin America Area Counselor Ken Peterson and other staff from the Panama and Nicaragua ministry centers.

You'll have the opportunity to tour and learn about each ministry center and types of outreach programs that are most successful for them. In Nicaragua, you'll also visit Leon, one of the oldest colonial cities in Central America, tour museums, and see Santa Clara volcano and San Jacinto Hot Springs. In Panama, you'll ride the first intercontinental railroad in the world, visit the beautiful El Macho waterfall, and experience the Embera Indian Village.

If you would like to experience LHM's international ministry and the wonders of God's creation, visit www.lhm.org/tours for a brochure, bulletin insert, and PowerPoint presentation with more information about the Latin America trip. The Web site also includes trip itineraries, costs, payment schedule, and registration forms.

Does sharing your faith leave you at a loss for words? Does moving a conversation forward once Jesus is mentioned prove difficult, if not impossible? If so, you're not alone. Lutheran Hour Ministries' Equipping to Share (EtS) workshops help attendees identify and make the most of those "mission moments" when the Gospel can be shared.

A few workshop dates are still available for this November. A Nov. 15 workshop is still available if you contact us by Oct. 20 and a Nov. 22 workshop is available for people who contact us by Oct. 27. Next year's spring EtS dates are Jan. 3 - May 24. The EtS program is offered to your congregation, as well as a sectional for part of a conference or retreat. To allow sufficient time to promote a workshop, LHM prefers to have them booked at least five weeks in advance.

With workshop facilitators experienced in working with large and small groups, the men and women who serve as EtS outreach specialists vary in personality, cultural background, age, and professional qualifications. They are united, however, in their enthusiasm and resolve to make EtS workshops as profitable as possible for those attending. Their aim is always one of communication: the more others are understood and appreciated, the better our message can be delivered to them.

The message of God's love as expressed in Jesus is perfect for the ailing human heart. The Lord's directive to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) is addressed to us. With more than 10,000 people trained and nearly 300 workshops held so far throughout the United States and Canada, EtS has proven itself a valuable resource for personal evangelism.

For information on EtS workshop availability, associated costs, and other related questions, contact EtS Coordinator Sarah Guldalian at sarah.guldalian@lhm.org. You can call her at 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4144. For additional details, visit the EtS Web site at www.lhm.org/equipping/workshops.asp.

It's hard enough for many of us to gather all of the paperwork required to renew our driver's license or register our vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Imagine collecting information about all of your assets and what family members and charities you want to leave your assets to.

Lutheran Hour Ministries will send you a Will and Trust Planning Guide that will help you compile the information you need to create your will. The information is for the benefit of you and your lawyer. Now is a good time to make sure that your estate plans are up-to-date.

You also have the unique opportunity to thank God for all of the blessings He has given you by supporting His work through Lutheran Hour Ministries. Consider leaving a bequest through your will or trust to help us share Christ with those who need Him.

You can request a printed or electronic version (PDF file) of the Will and Trust Planning Guide by calling 1-877-333-1963 or sending an e-mail to lhm-gift@lhm.org.

As a participant in the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Lutheran Hour Ministries took part in two campaign kickoff rallies the first week of October. Representatives of the ministry shared stories at their booth about how God's message of hope is being shared through various ministry programs and handed out materials. More than 1,200 people attended a rally at the federal building in downtown St. Louis and about 300 people attended a similar event at Scott Air Force Base in Mascoutah, Illinois (where military prayer guides written by Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, were handed out).

"These were wonderful chances to talk with people about what Lutheran Hour Ministries is all about, and why we believe that sharing the love of Christ is so important," says Christine Loos, LHM's Ambassador Assistant, who helped man the booth during both events.

"An unchurched government employee saw our sign and came up to talk with us about the Lutheran Church and what we did," says LHM Ministry Advancement Officer Adam Eggemeyer. "After chatting with him, he said he was interested in finding a place of worship for him and his son so we were able to refer him to an LCMS church near his home."

LHM's participation in this fall's Combined Federal Campaign means United States military and federal employees worldwide can pledge a donation to LHM now through Dec. 15 as a part of their workplace-giving program. Established in 1961, the CFC is the only campaign authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. As the world's largest and most successful annual workplace giving campaign, each year more than 350 CFC campaigns throughout the United States and internationally help to raise millions of dollars. Charities that apply to receive funds through the CFC are required to submit to extensive review of their financial and governance practices prior to acceptance.

See LHM's ad in the "Best of the CFC" newspaper insert, online at www.bestcfc.org, or in your area campaign's CFC brochure. If you are not a federal employee or member of the military, you may still be able to make a donation to LHM through your corporate campaign. Many corporations include the charities provided by the Independent Charities of America into their corporate giving opportunities. Ask your employer for more information about their corporate giving plan.

In April 1958, missionaries H A Hein, J P Dretke, Paul Volz, R A Krugler, and A G Meissner were the first to bring Lutheran Hour Ministries to Nigeria. The first programs were produced and recorded in Hein's living room at Obot Idim, Ibesikpo, the headquarters of The Lutheran Church of Nigeria. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) in Nigeria and, recently, the ministry center held a Golden Jubilee Anniversary event to mark this significant milestone.

The theme of the event, "If the Lord had not been on our side we wouldn't have come this far," was fitting considering the challenges that LHM-Nigeria has faced with the country's weak economy and the steady growth of Islam.

The occasion featured a choreographed dance performance by the LHM-Nigeria children's performing group, commemorative songs sung by the staff choir, praise and worship, and some cultural dances. Guests at the event included the Rev. Effiong E. Ekanem, National President of The Lutheran Church of Nigeria, who expressed gratitude for the work that LHM-Nigeria has done over the years to train and equip volunteers to connect the unchurched to the Lutheran churches around the country.

LHM-Nigeria also used the celebration to raise funds for the ministry center and, despite heavy rains that kept many people away, they still managed to raise N816,300.00 ($6939.85 U.S.).

"As we embark on the pilgrimage of the next fifty years, please have the ministry in Nigeria in your prayers," requested Christian Ejelonu, Director of LHM-Nigeria.

Throughout the first 50 years, radio ministry is still one of the strongest tools that LHM-Nigeria uses to reach the population with the message of hope. A weekly radio program features messages on contemporary issues from a Christian perspective. The ministry center receives responses via SMS text messaging, phone calls, and letters.

Your continued prayers and support for LHM allow outreach programs to have an impact all around the world. We ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to our International Ministries today. Click here to support this ministry or call us at 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4275.

JCPlayZone continues to draw the attention of children around the world by offering a fun and interactive Web site that parents can be assured is safe for their little ones. JCPlayZone is currently hosting its annual coloring contest for children in the United States to show off their creative abilities! The contest rules allow U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 12 to participate.

The contest is limited to one entry per child and the entry must be the child's actual work. Each participant will receive a gift just for entering! The winning pictures chosen by the judges will be highlighted on the Web site along with the child's first name, age, and state.

Due to an overwhelming response, we are extending the deadline so that artwork must be postmarked no later than Nov. 15, 2008. Directions for submitting entries can be found at www.jcplayzone.com. We are excited about sharing the Good News of Jesus with His little lambs and can't wait to see the pictures created by the little Picasso's!

The next time you visit JCPlayZone, you might even see your child or grandchild's work displayed for everyone to enjoy!

Nwei, whose name in English means Little Moon, has nine brothers and sisters. Nine years ago, Little Moon and her family were happy. Then in 1999, her father, who worked for the government, was put in prison for 19 months. This event tore the family apart. They had to sell their home, and at 13, Little Moon was sent to live with her uncle. The rest of her family, including her mother, was scattered among other family and friends in other villages.

"When my father was released from prison, my parents remained separated," said Little Moon. "I tried to reunite them and my brothers and sisters. I prayed to God to reunite my family."

After a year and a half, Little Moon was given money by her uncle to buy a home back in her village to try and reconcile her family. "I prayed to God to make a reunion in my family. My mother came back and stayed with us, but she will not face my father. I'm working hard to take care of my younger sisters and brothers and also take care of my unhealthy father."

Little Moon said she was very tired and unhappy when she first met Mr. Pao. Mr. Pao shared his story with her of being lost himself before he came to saving faith in Christ. He told Little Moon his life was changed after taking the LHM-Myanmar Bible Correspondence Courses(BCC).

"He gave me your BCC and encouraged me," Little Moon wrote to LHM. "Starting at that time, I came in contact with LHM-Myanmar. Today, I've received your reply. I'm very happy, and I don't know how to explain how happy I am. Thank you LHM. God is good to me. He never forsakes me. Through LHM, I can know God's love."

Please pray for Little Moon in her efforts to bring her family back together and for her continued journey to know Christ's love.

Your continued prayers and support for LHM allow outreach programs to have an impact all around the world. We ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to our International Ministries today. Click here to support this ministry or call us at 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4275.

Following are the places where Pastor Klaus will be speaking during October, November, and December.

Oct. 19
50th Anniversary Services
Peace Lutheran Church
Fresno, California
8 and 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 26
Reformation Rally
First Lutheran Church
Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania

Nov. 2
Church Dedication
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Lansing, Michigan

Nov. 15
"Joyful Thanks" Fall Benefit Dinner
Martin Luther High School
Northrop, Minnesota

Dec. 7
140th Anniversary
St. John Lutheran Church
Woodbury, Minnesota

Following are synopses for the programs that are airing during the rest of October and early November.

Oct. 12
Title: No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service
Synopsis: Admission to heaven is on God's terms, not ours. It is by God's grace and not on account of our goodness that entry is given.
Speaker: Pastor Ken Klaus

Oct. 19
Title: Nailed to the Wall
Synopsis: There are some questions for which there are no right answers. Jesus avoids a trap set for him by his enemies.
Speaker: Pastor Ken Klaus

Oct. 26
Title: Abiding Words
Synopsis: No one can claim a place in God's kingdom on the basis of his or her heritage or lineage, but only by faith in God's word of promise. To live by faith is to abide in God's Word.
Guest Speaker: The Rev. David Schmitt, Concordia Seminary

Nov. 2
Title: No Hope
Synopsis: Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." A young man's funeral shows what it means to mourn without hope.
Speaker: Pastor Ken Klaus


The Lutheran Hour, the flagship radio program for Lutheran Hour Ministries and the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program, is broadcast weekly on 800 stations. The program is also available each Sunday on XM Satellite's Family Talk Radio 170 at 1 p.m. EST. Program stations and broadcast times, as well as an archive of sermons, are available on demand in MP3 format via the Internet at www.lutheranhour.org.

Since its first broadcast more than 75 years ago, The Lutheran Hour has been supported exclusively by caring friends like you. That's right, there is no financial support directly from The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or Lutheran Church-Canada. Our message of bringing a changeless Christ to a changing world goes out, or not, in direct proportion to the support we receive from you and others who care about this ministry. Please consider supporting The Lutheran Hour through a gift today by clicking here.

Do you have a question for Pastor Ken Klaus? You can submit it via e-mail at www.lutheranhour.org/contact.htm.

Following are synopses for programs airing during the rest of October and early November.

Oct. 12
Title: For Parents Only: Understanding Your Teen
Synopsis: Kids change quickly. From doting child to hostile teenager, she doesn't want to be like you or even with you! Sound familiar? Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Rice wrote For Parents Only to help parents demystify teen thinking and build closer ties.

Oct. 19
Title: Men Are Like Waffles; Women Are Like Spaghetti
Synopsis: You've heard men are from Mars, women are from Venus. But authors Bill and Pam Farrel are here to tell us Men are like waffles...women like spaghetti. They dish up our differences and give us the keys to using these towards a fabulous relationship!

Oct. 26
Title: The Rest is up to You
Synopsis: With demands today, sleep is often viewed as a luxury. Dr. Ana Krieger, Director of NYU's Sleep Disorder Center, shares the serious impact of sleep deprivation: weight gain, increased risk of cancer and diabetes, and accelerated aging. Find out how much sleep you need.

Nov. 2
Title: Help Your Child Get to Sleep and Stay There!
Synopsis: It's not insomnia keeping you up, but a routine plea for a drink of water. If you're a parent, you've no doubt lost some sleep. Dr. Jodi Mindell, author of Sleep Deprived No More, shares how to get your kid to sleep and stay there so you can too!